While the platoon enjoyed their midday meal, I was busy preparing for the latest twist in their training. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Admiral Dodonna, Captain Kathla,” I said after exchanging salutes and entering the small wardroom where the two senior Fleet officers were taking their own break. “Glad to finally meet the woman who shot up my engine room in person,” Piers Kathla replied, tossing me a lopsided grin. “How goes the training regimen for our boarding party?” Admiral Dodonna asked, her expression neutral but her aura prickling with the barest hint of nervousness.